Spain’s U23 national team emerged goal medal for the first time after 32 years of waiting after beating France’s U23 national team scoring 5-3 in the extra-time after ended 90 minutes 3-3 in the Men’s Football event Olympic 2024 at Parc des Princes, Paris.
The match began with France taking the lead when Enzo Millot’s powerful shot led to an own goal by Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. However, Spain quickly responded, with 21-year-old Barcelona star Fermín López leading the charge.
López equalized with a precise low shot and then added another goal by redirecting the ball into the net, marking his sixth goal in as many games. Spain then extended their lead with a stunning free-kick from Álex Baena, who curled the ball into the top left corner, giving Spain a 3-1 lead at halftime.
France, determined to fight back, dominated the second half. Despite strong efforts from Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and a powerful shot from Manu Koné that was saved by Tenas, France struggled to break through.
However, Maghnes Akliouche managed to reduce the deficit to 3-2 with a deflected shot, and in the dying moments of regulation time, a VAR-awarded penalty allowed Mateta to equalize, forcing the match into extra time.
In extra time, Spain regained control, with substitute Sergio Camello chipping French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes to put Spain ahead 4-3. France pushed hard for another equalizer, but Spain sealed their victory when Tenas launched a long throw to Camello, who scored his second goal of the game, securing a 5-3 win.
Spain’s victory not only earned them the gold medal but also created one of the most memorable Olympic football finals in history, marking a triumphant return to the top of the Olympic podium after three decades.
Credit Photo : RFEF
